Global Liquid Handling System Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In March 2023, Eppendorf SE unveiled the new generation of epMotion, an automated liquid handling portfolio, which offers enhanced precision, accuracy, and user experience.

• In May 2023, Opentrons unveiled the Opentrons Flex robot, a cost-effective and user-friendly liquid-handling lab robot. This new-generation robot is specifically designed to democratize access to advanced lab automation, making it accessible to labs of all sizes and extending its benefits to a broader community of researchers.

• In December 2023, Hudson Robotics and Art Robbins Instruments, a worldwide provider of laboratory automation solutions and a portfolio company of Argosy Healthcare Partners, have successfully acquired Tomtec Inc. Tomtec specializes in automated liquid handling instruments primarily utilized for sample preparation in mass spectrometry.

• In February 2022 , SPT Labtech introduced the innovative Firefly liquid handling platform for next-generation sequencing library preparation, along with the Apricot DC1, a versatile 4-in-1 automated liquid handling platform, during the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) 2022 International Conference and Expo.

• In June 2022 , Beckman Coulter Life Sciences expedites the advancement of Next Generation Sequencing with the introduction of the Biomek NGeniuS liquid handling system.

The Global Liquid Handling System Market has been segmented by Type, Product Type, and End User, each contributing significantly to the overall growth and trends in the market.

Type segmentation includes Automated Liquid Handling Systems and Manual Liquid Handling Systems. Automated systems are gaining popularity due to their precision, reproducibility, and ability to handle high throughput. These systems significantly reduce human error and increase efficiency in laboratory settings, making them ideal for industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare. On the other hand, manual liquid handling systems, although less efficient compared to automated systems, are still widely used in smaller laboratories and academic research due to their affordability and simplicity. However, the increasing complexity of research and the need for higher accuracy are pushing the demand toward automated solutions.

In terms of Product Type, the market is divided into Pipetting Systems, Microplate Readers, Titrators, Dispensers, Diluters, and Others. Among these, pipetting systems are the most widely used liquid handling equipment due to their versatility and necessity in almost every laboratory procedure. Microplate readers and dispensers are also critical in applications involving high-throughput screening or drug discovery processes. The rising focus on drug research and diagnostics drives demand for more specialized equipment like titrators and diluters. These tools are essential for handling precise liquid volumes and complex sample mixtures, which is why they are prevalent in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and environmental testing.

The End User segmentation includes Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies, Academic and Research Institutes, Hospitals and Diagnostic Laboratories, and Others. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are the largest consumers of liquid handling systems, driven by the need for high-throughput testing and drug development. The demand for liquid handling systems is also substantial in academic and research institutes, where such systems are used for various experiments in fields like genomics, proteomics, and environmental research. Hospitals and diagnostic laboratories also form a key user base, with a rising demand for automation and accuracy in diagnostics and sample preparation.

Together, the segmentation of the Global Liquid Handling System Market by type, product type, and end user reveals a dynamic landscape, where automation and precision are key drivers. Automated systems, specialized product types, and growing use across industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare are creating substantial market opportunities. The increasing need for accuracy, efficiency, and reproducibility in laboratory processes is expected to continue fueling growth in the coming years.

Global Liquid Handling System Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Liquid Handling System Market has been segmented by Type, Product Type, End User, and Geography.

Global Liquid Handling System Market, Segmentation by Type

The Global Liquid Handling System Market has been segmented by Type into Manual Liquid Handling System, Automated Liquid Handling System, and Electronic Liquid Handling System.

The global liquid handling system market is experiencing dynamic growth, propelled by the differentiation among its key segments: manual, automated, and electronic liquid handling systems. Manual liquid handling systems continue to play a crucial role in laboratories where flexibility and cost-effectiveness are prioritized. These systems are valued for their ability to handle diverse liquids and sample sizes with simplicity, making them suitable for academic research settings and smaller-scale laboratories aiming to balance precision with budget constraints.

Electronic liquid handling systems represent the pinnacle of technological advancement in this market segment, integrating sophisticated robotics and advanced software to achieve unparalleled accuracy and scalability. These systems are favored by large pharmaceutical firms and specialized laboratories conducting complex experiments that require precise control over liquid volumes and protocols. As technological innovation continues to advance, electronic liquid handling systems are expected to further expand their role in enabling cutting-edge research and development initiatives globally, cementing their position as indispensable tools in modern laboratory environments.

The segmentation of the global liquid handling system market into manual, automated, and electronic categories reflects a diverse landscape catering to varied laboratory needs. While each segment offers distinct advantages, the ongoing evolution towards automation and precision-driven technologies is driving significant market growth and innovation across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and research sectors worldwide.

Global Liquid Handling System Market, Segmentation by Preoduct Type

The Global Liquid Handling System Market has been segmented by Product Type into Pipette, Consumables, Liquid Handling Workstations, Burettes, and Software.

The Pipette segment is one of the most widely used product types in liquid handling systems. Pipettes are essential tools in laboratories for transferring precise liquid volumes in a variety of settings, including academic research, diagnostics, and drug development. Manual pipettes are commonly used for smaller-scale experiments, while automated pipettes are increasingly being adopted for high-throughput applications in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and clinical research environments. Their ability to ensure accuracy and reproducibility makes them indispensable in the life sciences industry.

Consumables in the liquid handling market include items such as tips, tubes, and plates that are used alongside liquid handling systems. Consumables are an ongoing need in laboratories as they are used in conjunction with equipment like pipettes and liquid handling workstations. The demand for consumables is driven by the expanding research activities in biotechnology, genomics, and drug discovery. These products are also essential for maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding contamination in laboratory processes, contributing to their steady demand in a variety of laboratory settings.

Liquid Handling Workstations are integrated systems that automate liquid handling processes such as pipetting, mixing, and dispensing. These workstations are crucial in high-throughput applications where accuracy, precision, and speed are paramount. Workstations typically find applications in fields like genomics, drug discovery, and clinical diagnostics. As automation in laboratories grows, the adoption of liquid handling workstations is expected to rise due to their ability to streamline workflows and increase productivity. Burettes, typically used for titration in analytical laboratories, and Software used for controlling and optimizing liquid handling systems, further enhance the capabilities of liquid handling products, driving their demand across research and industrial applications.

Together, these product types illustrate the wide array of tools and components that make up the liquid handling system market. While pipettes and consumables remain essential in traditional laboratory environments, the growing reliance on automation and advanced technology is pushing the demand for liquid handling workstations and software. This shift towards more efficient, automated solutions is helping to fuel the growth of the market in the coming years.

Global Liquid Handling System Market, Segmentation by End User

The Global Liquid Handling System Market has been segmented by End User into Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies, Contract Research Organization, and Other.

The global liquid handling system market is segmented by end user into pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, contract research organizations (CROs), and other entities. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies constitute a significant portion of the market demand, driven by their extensive use of liquid handling systems in drug discovery, development, and quality control processes. These companies rely on advanced liquid handling technologies to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and reproducibility in various laboratory operations, ranging from compound screening to formulation development, thereby accelerating the pace of research and innovation in the industry.

Contract research organizations (CROs) represent another crucial segment fueling the growth of the liquid handling system market. These organizations provide outsourced research services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic institutions, necessitating robust and reliable liquid handling solutions to meet diverse client needs. CROs leverage automated and electronic liquid handling systems to streamline workflows, ensure data integrity, and deliver high-quality results within strict timelines. The increasing outsourcing trend in drug development and clinical trials further amplifies the demand for sophisticated liquid handling technologies among CROs worldwide.

Beyond pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, the "other" category encompasses a diverse range of end users, including academic research institutes, government laboratories, diagnostic labs, and industrial sectors such as food & beverage and environmental testing. These entities utilize liquid handling systems for a variety of applications, from basic research and quality assurance to regulatory compliance and environmental monitoring. As these industries embrace automation and digital transformation, the market for liquid handling systems continues to expand, driven by the need for precise, efficient, and scalable solutions across different scientific disciplines.

Global Liquid Handling System Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Liquid Handling System Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Liquid Handling System Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

The global liquid handling system market has been geographically segmented into five key regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. North America stands out as a significant market due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure and substantial investment in research and development across pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. The region benefits from a high adoption rate of automated and electronic liquid handling systems, driven by stringent regulatory standards and the presence of major industry players.

In Europe, the liquid handling system market is characterized by a strong emphasis on technological innovation and quality assurance in laboratory operations. Pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and CROs in countries like Germany, the UK, and France drive market growth through their demand for high-performance liquid handling solutions. The region's proactive approach towards healthcare advancements and scientific research continues to propel the adoption of advanced liquid handling technologies.

The Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth in the liquid handling system market, fueled by expanding pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in countries such as China, India, and Japan. Increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure, coupled with rising research activities and outsourcing trends, are driving demand for automated and electronic liquid handling systems. Moreover, the region's emerging economies are becoming attractive markets for market players looking to expand their footprint and capitalize on growing opportunities in scientific research and drug development.

In the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Latin America regions, the liquid handling system market is witnessing steady growth driven by healthcare infrastructure development and increasing investments in life sciences research. While these regions may have smaller market shares compared to North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, they present opportunities for market expansion due to rising healthcare expenditures and efforts to enhance research capabilities.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Liquid Handling System Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers:

• Automation
• Precision Medicine

• Increasing Research Activities - Increasing research activities globally are driving significant growth in the liquid handling system market. As pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic sectors expand their research endeavors, there is a growing demand for precise and efficient tools to handle liquids in various laboratory processes. This trend is particularly evident in drug discovery, where high-throughput screening and genomic research require reliable liquid handling systems to ensure accurate and reproducible results.

  Advancements in fields such as genomics, proteomics, and personalized medicine are further fueling the need for sophisticated liquid handling technologies. Researchers are increasingly focusing on understanding complex biological processes at the molecular level, necessitating instruments that can handle minuscule volumes with precision. Automated and electronic liquid handling systems are playing a crucial role in enabling these advancements by improving workflow efficiency and reducing experimental variability.

  The expansion of research activities also extends beyond traditional pharmaceutical applications to include areas such as agriculture, environmental science, and industrial biotechnology. These diverse fields require tailored liquid handling solutions to support their unique experimental requirements and scale operations effectively. As such, the liquid handling system market is poised to capitalize on the broadening scope of research activities globally, driven by continual innovation and the pursuit of scientific breakthroughs across various disciplines.

Restraints:

• High Initial Costs
• Integration Complexities

• Limited Adoption - Limited adoption of liquid handling systems in emerging markets presents both challenges and opportunities for market growth. While regions such as North America and Europe dominate in terms of market penetration and technological adoption, emerging markets in Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Africa are gradually increasing their investments in healthcare infrastructure and research capabilities. However, several factors contribute to the slower adoption rate of liquid handling systems in these regions.

  One significant barrier is the high initial cost associated with acquiring and maintaining automated and electronic liquid handling systems. Emerging markets often face budget constraints and prioritize investments in basic healthcare infrastructure over advanced laboratory technologies. Additionally, the complexity of integrating these systems into existing workflows and the need for specialized training further hinder widespread adoption.

  Despite these challenges, the limited adoption in emerging markets presents opportunities for market expansion. As these regions continue to invest in upgrading healthcare facilities and enhancing research capabilities, there is a growing recognition of the benefits of automated and electronic liquid handling systems in improving research quality and accelerating scientific discoveries. Market players have opportunities to collaborate with local stakeholders, offer tailored solutions that address specific regional needs, and invest in education and training programs to build technical expertise.

Opportunities:

• Outsourcing Trends
• Growing Biotechnology Sector

• Development of High-Throughput Screening - The development of high-throughput screening (HTS) has revolutionized drug discovery and biomedical research, driving significant advancements in the liquid handling system market. HTS allows researchers to rapidly test thousands to millions of chemical compounds or genetic materials against biological targets, enabling the identification of potential drug candidates or biomolecules with therapeutic potential. This approach not only accelerates the drug discovery process but also enhances the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of screening large compound libraries.

  Central to the success of HTS is the adoption of automated and electronic liquid handling systems, which play a pivotal role in facilitating precise and reproducible dispensing of liquids in microplate-based assays. These systems enable researchers to handle small volumes of liquids accurately, reducing experimental variability and improving data quality. By automating repetitive tasks such as compound dilution, reagent addition, and assay setup, liquid handling systems streamline workflow processes and enable researchers to focus more on data analysis and interpretation.

  The development of HTS methodologies continues to evolve with advancements in assay technologies, robotics, and data analytics. Emerging trends such as miniaturization of assays and integration of high-content screening further enhance the capabilities of liquid handling systems to handle complex biological assays with greater throughput and sensitivity. As pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and academic institutions increasingly adopt HTS for early-stage drug discovery and translational research, the demand for advanced liquid handling solutions is expected to grow, positioning the market for continued expansion and innovation in the years to come.